Aberdeen defender McKenna signs new deal until 2023

Aberdeen defender Scott McKenna has signed a new deal tying him to Pittodrie until the summer of 2023, the club has announced.

The defender, tipped to win his maiden senior call-up in Alex McLeish’s first squad when it’s announced of Monday, had only signed an extension in October, which was to run until 2021.

He has been a mainstay of the Reds’ backline this season, with the the Aberdeen hierarchy knocking back upwards of a £1 million from English side Hull City in January as they attempted to secure his services.

McKenna said: “It was an easy decision. It was only mentioned to me last week, so it did not take at all long to get sorted. I love being at this club, I love working with the manager, all the staff and we have a great dressing room.

“I am very settled here and now I can just focus on my football.

“Football is all about looking forward and not looking backwards. I cannot relax and need to keep working hard so I can kick on. I still have a lot to learn in the game.

“The manager has always been brilliant with me. Ever since I came in as a 16 year old. He has looked after me very well. When I play in the first team, he does not put too much pressure on me. He lets me go out and do my job.

“There is a lot to look forward to.

“There are quite a number of AFC Youth Academy players on the fringes of the first team squad so hopefully they can make the breakthrough like myself.”

Manager Derek McInnes added: “It’s fantastic news for a brilliant young man and for everyone at the club.

“Scott’s earned this improved contract through his strong performances and he’s been a pleasure to work with since day one. I’m looking forward to Scott being part of a strong and successful Aberdeen team going forward.”